The Media Research Group conference kicks off in Nice, France this Wednesday afternoon.The theme of this year’s conference is “The Challenge of Communication – Media Research comes of age!”. The aim is to debate “how the communication process is perhaps changing to reflect a new role that media research can and is already adopting, as… Continue reading MRG Conference Agenda
Rupert Murdoch, chairman of The News Corporation, attacked the Government on Friday after BSkyB’s annual shareholders’ meeting, calling it ‘excessively cautious’ and ‘paranoid’.The £623 million bid which Murdoch’s BSkyB group made for the Manchester United football club was referred to the Monopolies And Mergers Commission late last week (see Newsline) by Peter Mandelson, who was… Continue reading Murdoch Bitter Over MMC Referral
Channel 4 has announced that it has signed up BBC Commentator Richie Benaud for its cricket coverage. Benaud, who had been at the BBC for over forty years, will commentate all of Channel 4’s live Test coverage as well as matches from the final stages of the NatWest Trophy competition.The appointment is a first in… Continue reading Channel 4 Poaches Benaud
Tuesday Following the launch of the Film Four channel this weekend, the Film Four website will be reviewed on Newsline.Wednesday The Media Research Group Conference in Nice, France, will run throughout the latter half of the week, and daily reports will be available on Newsline on developments and discussions at the event.Thursday MRG Conference report… Continue reading The Week Ahead
The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has clarified its position on slimming advertising – all ads for slimming aids must be backed by medical evidence of their efficacy and safety. The new rule also incorporates Foods Intended for Use in Energy Restricted Diets for Weight Reduction Regulation which comes into effect from 31 March 1999.
The EP will this week vote on a proposal to extend a 1985 directive on producer liability for defective products to include “primary agricultural products and game”. Speaking following the adoption of her report in the Environment Committee, Dagmar Roth-Berendt MEP (D, PES) welcomed the proposal as an important contribution to enhanced consumer protection against… Continue reading EU: Extension of Producer Liability
The European Commission has now published its draft directive on e-commerce. The proposal aims to eliminate legal obstacles to the on-line provision of services, and builds upon the Commission’s 1997 Communication on electronic commerce (“A European initiative on electronic commerce” COM(97)157 final, 16.4.97). However, Consumer Affairs Commissioner Emma Bonino and her single market counterpart Mario… Continue reading EU: E-commerce proposals circulated
The WHO European Region’s draft second European Alcohol Action Plan, containing recommendations for media bans on alcohol advertising, is due to be discussed by WHO member state representatives (Health Ministers) at the WHO Conference in Madrid on 15-17 October 1998. The draft Action Plan states that “restrictions on advertisements lead to reduced alcohol consumption and… Continue reading EU: WHO Action Plan
The Independent Television Commission yesterday brought its consultation period over the issue on whether to allow ITV to axe its News At Ten bulletin to a close (see Newsline).The ITC received approximately 1700 submissions from the public and industry bodies, and will announce its decision soon after 19 November. It also commissioned an opinion poll,… Continue reading ITC Closes Consultation Period On News At Ten
The European Brands Association (AIM) is pressing the European Commission to make pan-European advertising and promotions a reality. AIM’s new research shows that a move to normalise legislation governing advertising, couponing, and sales promotions could boost growth and jobs.
